Thingsee COUNT
Time-of-flight people counting sensor for doorways and passages
Overview
Thingsee COUNT is a time-of-flight (ToF) based people counting sensor designed for accurate visitor counting and utilization monitoring. Installed above doorways or passages, it detects movement passing beneath the device and determines directional flow (entries vs. exits).
Unlike PIR-based sensors, Thingsee COUNT uses laser-based distance measurement to detect people, providing higher accuracy even in challenging lighting conditions and with simultaneous passages.
Key Features
Time-of-Flight Technology
- Laser distance measurement - Precise detection regardless of lighting
- Directional counting - Distinguishes entries from exits
- Higher accuracy - Works with simultaneous passage (2-3 people side-by-side)
- Wide detection range - Supports passageways up to 1000mm width
Powered Operation
- USB-powered - External power via USB connector (no battery limitations)
- Continuous operation - 24/7 monitoring without battery concerns
- Stable performance - Consistent power eliminates battery-related accuracy degradation
Installation Flexibility
- Cradle mounting system - Secure sensor housing with cable strain relief
- Two mounting methods - Tape or screw installation
- Height adjustment - 230cm recommended (supports various ceiling heights)
Use Cases
Typical applications for Thingsee COUNT:
- Visitor counting - Retail stores, museums, libraries
- Meeting room utilization - Office space optimization
- Building traffic analysis - Lobby and corridor monitoring
- Occupancy tracking - Real-time space usage monitoring
The device determines movement direction during installation configuration using the Thingsee Toolbox application, so it knows which side represents entering versus exiting a space.
Quick Start
Installation steps:
- Select installation location (above doorway, centered, 230cm height)
- Mount cradle to ceiling/wall (tape or screw method)
- Install USB cable through cradle holder
- Attach sensor unit to cradle
- Configure direction using Thingsee Toolbox app (scan QR code)
- Connect USB power supply
Requirements:
- Maximum passageway width: 1000mm
- Maximum passageway height: 2100mm
- Installation height: 230cm recommended
- Power supply: USB 5V (included)
- Network: Thingsee Gateway within 20m
Power Dependency
Unlike battery-powered sensors, Thingsee COUNT requires continuous USB power. If power is cut off, the sensor’s counter will reset to zero.
What’s in the Box
- Thingsee COUNT sensor unit (with ToF sensor “eyeball”)
- Cradle (sensor housing and cable strain relief)
- Cradle clamp (cable management)
- USB cable
- USB power supply
- Attachment plate (for tape installation)
- Installation guide
Technology Comparison
Thingsee COUNT (ToF) vs. Haltian ENTRYWAY (3-PIR):
| Feature | Thingsee COUNT (ToF) | Haltian ENTRYWAY (3-PIR) |
|---|
| Technology | Time-of-Flight laser | Passive Infrared (heat) |
| Power | USB-powered (wired) | Battery (4-year life) |
| Accuracy | Higher (laser precision) | Good (thermal detection) |
| Simultaneous passage | Better (2-3 people) | Limited (single-file preferred) |
| Lighting sensitivity | Minimal (works in darkness) | Avoid bright sunlight/lamps |
| Temperature dependency | Low | Requires temp difference |
| Max passageway width | 1000mm | 1600mm |
| Installation | Requires power outlet | No power needed |
When to choose Thingsee COUNT:
- Higher accuracy required (retail analytics, critical applications)
- Power outlet available near installation location
- Simultaneous passage common (wide doorways, busy areas)
- Bright sunlight or challenging lighting conditions
- 24/7 continuous operation without battery replacement
When to choose Haltian ENTRYWAY:
- No power outlet available (battery-powered preferred)
- Wider passageways (up to 1600mm)
- Single-file traffic patterns
- Minimal maintenance (4-year battery life)
Technical Highlights
- Sensor type: Time-of-Flight (ToF) laser distance measurement
- Detection range: Up to 2100mm height (passageway ceiling to floor)
- Passageway width: Up to 1000mm
- Installation height: 230cm recommended (adjustable)
- Power: USB 5V (external power supply included)
- Communication: Wirepas Massive mesh network (via Thingsee Gateway)
- Configuration: Via Thingsee Toolbox mobile app (QR code scanning)
Important Considerations
Lighting Sensitivity
⚠️ Avoid bright sunlight or incandescent/fluorescent/halogen lamps:
- Sensor accuracy affected by prolonged light exposure
- Install in areas without direct sunlight or bright artificial lighting
- For optimal functionality, choose locations with moderate lighting
Power Continuity
⚠️ Counter resets if power lost:
- Sensor requires continuous USB power
- If electricity cut off, counter resets to zero
- Use reliable power source (avoid outlets on switchable circuits)
- Consider UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) for critical applications
Network Coverage
- Maximum 20m distance from Thingsee Gateway or another sensor
- Wirepas mesh network automatically routes data
- Plan sensor placement to maintain network coverage
Support Resources
Installation assistance:
- Step-by-step installation guide (see Installation section)
- Thingsee Toolbox app for configuration (iOS/Android)
- User Guide PDF
Technical support:
- Email: support@haltian.com
- Configuration questions: Direction setup, troubleshooting
- Network planning: Multi-sensor deployments
Next Steps
Physical installation guide for Thingsee COUNT including cradle assembly and mounting methods
How Thingsee COUNT operates using time-of-flight technology for people counting
Configure Thingsee COUNT direction, intervals, and settings via Thingsee Toolbox app
Complete technical specifications for Thingsee COUNT people counting sensor
Diagnose and resolve common issues with Thingsee COUNT people counting sensor